Meet our leadership team.
We Can Dance is led by board and staff members committed to advancing accessible dance, community, inclusion and opportunity.
Board of Directors
Dr. Samuel Vezenegho
Board President
Scientist, educator and dance instructor whose return to dance after vision loss helped inspire We Can Dance’s accessible approach.
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Samuel earned a PhD in Medical Entomology and worked in science organizations across several continents. His dance background includes Kizomba, Urban Kiz, Salsa and Bachata; he hosted the Dallas Kizomba Festival and later competed in the North American Kizomba Olympiads. His experience returning to dance after becoming blind helped inspire We Can Dance and its accessible approach to dance education and community.
Vanessa Yxcea
Board Secretary
Community builder and partner dancer with experience organizing and teaching dance in Dallas and the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Vanessa began partner dancing as a teenager in the San Francisco Bay Area and started organizing and teaching fusion partner dance in Dallas in 2017. After several years of travel, she returned to Dallas in 2023 and joined We Can Dance. At the end of 2025 she returned to California with her husband and is eager to help bring We Can Dance programming to San Francisco.
Mary Ma Jabas
Board Treasurer
Founding board member who has served as We Can Dance’s Treasurer since 2023.
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Mary Ma Jabas joined We Can Dance as a founding board member in 2023 and serves as Treasurer.
Kenneth Everett
Board Member
Retired IBM professional, educator and mentor committed to connection, inclusion and service.
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During his IBM career, Kenneth worked in Consulting Services, the National Support Center for Persons With Disabilities and Corporate Learning, with a focus on communication, leadership and teamwork. A longtime Toastmasters member and community volunteer, he found renewed social connection through Kizomba and We Can Dance after significant vision loss.
Charlie
Mystro
Board Member
Musician, composer and community builder who brings artistry, accessibility and social connection to We Can Dance.
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A multi-instrumentalist and composer, Charlie has developed his craft across piano, keyboards, guitars, drums, bass and wind instruments. His experience as a performer and creative leader supports We Can Dance’s work to build inclusive community through music and movement.
Nicole Vezenegho
Board Member
Lifelong dancer, nonprofit strategist and inclusive-dance leader helping expand accessible dance and community programming.
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Nicole began formal dance training at age five and spent many years teaching aerial dance, including students with a range of physical and cognitive challenges. She later moved into nonprofit strategy and continues to dance Salsa, Mambo, Bachata, Kizomba, Urban Kiz and Zouk. Through We Can Dance, she helps expand accessible dance opportunities and inclusive community programming.
Our Staff
Our staff and local leaders help bring We Can Dance programs, partnerships and community experiences to life.
Dr. Samuel Vezenegho
Founder / CEO
Scientist, educator and dance instructor whose return to dance after vision loss helped inspire We Can Dance’s accessible approach.
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Full bio coming soon.
Mackie
Paulos
Atlanta Director
Born in Italy to Ethiopian parents and raised across three continents, Mackie brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to culture, community and human connection.
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Born in Italy to Ethiopian parents, Mackie Paulos grew up across three continents before the age of eight. Shaped by cultural diversity and life across borders, she is fluent in French and Amharic and speaks conversational Spanish. Her global upbringing fostered a deep appreciation for human connection through language, culture, movement and shared experience, as well as a love for the ocean, cultural expression and dance as a universal language of connection.
Mackie’s professional path has centered on people, community and belonging. With experience spanning hospitality, human resources and community-centered work, she is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, included and empowered. That passion led her to volunteer with We Can Dance, where she now serves as Atlanta Acting Director. Alongside her community advocacy and cultural outreach, Mackie is building a coaching practice focused on helping people navigate transition, identity and personal growth with greater clarity and confidence.
Kiara
Riley
Atlanta Assistant Director
Kiara is passionate about improving the lives of people with disabilities and creating inclusive spaces that strengthen connection, belonging and disability awareness.
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Kiara Riley earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Clayton State University. She is passionate about improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and has made this mission a priority in both her personal and professional life.
During college, Kiara founded and served as president of the Disability Social Club, a student organization created to provide a safe and welcoming space for individuals with disabilities and their allies while increasing broader disability awareness. Kiara continues that commitment through her service as Atlanta Assistant Director with We Can Dance, where she enjoys contributing to an inclusive nonprofit that brings people together through dance, community and connection.
Brandi
Ware
Dallas Director
Supports We Can Dance programming and community engagement in Dallas.
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Full bio coming soon.
Paula
Muysenberg
Dallas Assistant Director
Supports We Can Dance programming and community engagement in Dallas.
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Full bio coming soon.
Vanessa
Yxcea
SF (Pilot Program) Director
Supports We Can Dance programming and community engagement in San Francisco.
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Full bio coming soon.